Financial Controller Salary in Cleveland, OH: $107,500 (2026)

Financial Controller Pay in Cleveland: What to Expect (2026)

Cleveland offers a median financial controller salary of $107,500, which is $5,000 below the Ohio state average of $112,500. Compared to the national median of $125,000, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $107,500 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for financial controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for financial controllers in Cleveland spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $170,280 at the 90th percentile — a $103,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior financial controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Controller Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level financial controller earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$110,080

$-17,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$163,400

$-26,600 vs national

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$67,080	$70,200	$78,000
25th Percentile	$84,280	$88,200	$98,000
Median (50th)	$107,500	$112,500	$125,000
75th Percentile	$139,320	$145,800	$162,000
90th Percentile	$170,280	$178,200	$198,000

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$67,080

25th Percentile

$84,280

Median (50th)

$107,500

75th Percentile

$139,320

90th Percentile

$170,280

How to Become a Financial Controller in Cleveland

Education

Most financial controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cleveland may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Financial Controller make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median financial controller salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $107,500 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $107,500, a financial controller in Cleveland earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for financial controller pay? ▼

Cleveland's median financial controller salary of $107,500 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $112,500. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a financial controller salary of $107,500 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a financial controller in Cleveland? ▼

Most financial controller positions in Cleveland require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Financial Reporting, GAAP, ERP Systems, Budgeting. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Financial Controller Salary in Cleveland, Ohio